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Fed-Ex Testing Nissan’s All-Electric e-NV200 in Yokohama

The Nissan-FedEx partnership has a new testing ground for Nissan’s all-electric e-NV200 commercial van – namely, the Yokohama area, starting this month. The e-NV200, as long-term CleanTechnica readers may remember, is the Leaf-based version of the NV200 cargo van.

Second Verse, Just Like the First (Except Better)

This isn’t the first electric truck on loan to FedEx, but this is the second time FedEx has picked up an e-NV200 or two from Nissan specifically (its first test was in Europe last year), and it’s not the only ones. AEON Retail in Japan (it has giant shopping malls, seriously, and they’re all over) and British Gas in Europe are among those considering the practicalities of the e-NV200.

Nissan’s view on the e-NV200 is that it’s functional and roomy on the inside, versatile and practical, smooth and quiet, and also (of course) that the CO2 emissions level of zero is super awesome. Nissan also says that the cost of ownership is “enviable,” which is what most businesses really care about.

The End of the Line (Isn’t That Long)

The Yokohama-based FedEx test, specifically, will last for about a month. The single solitary e-NV200 on loan will be used to deliver international air cargo to its final destination. As Yokohama has a number of crowded and sometimes narrow streets (like most major metropolitan areas, particularly in Japan), the electric van should be pretty energy efficient (no idling in traffic!). The relatively short distances for deliveries should also be a perfect fit for the e-NV200.

“FedEx has been implementing various environmentally-friendly initiatives all over the world. Since 2005 our goal has been to make our vehicle fleet 20% more fuel efficient by 2020. FedEx is gradually shifting its delivery fleet to more efficient vehicles and increasing its investment in all-electric and alternative drivetrain vehicles. We value this opportunity to provide feedback and contribute to the development of the e-NV200. FedEx is committed to delivering highly reliable service to our customers in an environmentally responsible way.”

One electric van does not an environmentally responsible company make – but it does make a starting point. Let us know what you think about the e-NV200 and FedEx’s potential commitment to greenifying its business model in the comments, below.

About the Author

Charis Michelsen spent 7 years living in Germany and Japan, studying both languages extensively, doing translation and education with companies like Bosch, Nissan, Fuji Heavy, and others. Charis has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. She also believes that Janeway was the best Star Trek Captain.

“”An all-electric pickup and delivery van will operate at a 75 percent less per-mile cost than an internal combustion engine variant,” he says. “Now, I didn’t say 7 1/2 percent — [I said] 75 percent. These are big numbers.”Smith points out that the vehicles would be charged in off-peak hours, minimizing the need for additional power plants. Battery life and cost remain a challenge, but Smith is optimistic.”I think in three or four years you will have a battery vehicle with a range that’s probably double what it has today — a couple of hundred miles versus a hundred miles — and it’ll probably be 25 percent to 40 percent cheaper than [it] currently is.”http://www.npr.org/2012/04/02/149703488/oil-scare-turns-fedex-onto-energy-efficiency

http://cleantechnica.com/ Zachary Shahan

Nice quote!

Dang.

kjw

Sounds like FedEx is trying lots of different things which is a really good thing. THey are always moving so anything they can do is a step in the right direction. At this point though I have to think that there might be more bang for the buck using the micro turbine range extender solution that Keneworth is using in their FedEx pilot program (see link below). One could upgrade many trucks at a fraction of the cost of fuel cells which still cost a bunch more currently. Price per price I’m sure that one could buy many more range extending micro turbines than one could buy equivalent fuel cells. I’m sure that will change eventually but until it does I say use microturbines to maximize carbon reduction in the short term and continue to prototype and develop on a smaller scale until they become more durable, reliable and more cost effective. My two cents.

Van Rant: I want an open source van. I want an open source van. I want an open source van. Change the engine, yes. Move the batteries around, yes. But stop spending millions to redesign the same body over and over and over. Make my next van a Linux and then put the emphasis on what runs it. I’m beginning to think our energy transition is being delayed by the inconsequential issue of capturing the perfect “signature” look.
Instead, the designers should go punk rock. Make the van as ugly as possible (not a major challenge judging from the photo) and turn the focus to what’s under the hood. People like ugly cars anyway. Why else could explain the Hummer?

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